I was dosed – some might say over-dosed – with Francophilia soon after birth. Only now are the effects wearing off, but, for a time, I venerated France. Only now, everything the French ever thought they were good at, they are not. Food? Cinema? Fashion? The novel? Cars? Their expertise in rioting remains unchallenged, however, as I think we will, alas, soon see. It’s le chant du cygnet for French culture, I’m afraid.
What I always admired about the French was their genius at opposition. It utility: superlative Baccarat crystal glasses ideal for seducing a princess, but also those Duralex tumblers so strong you can throw them at a wall. And you get a country that manufactured a Facel Vega and a Citroën 2CV .
